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http://www.psc.state.fl.us/dockets/cms/docketFilings2.aspx?docket=100330
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8598
Aqua sent a notice to all of its customers, dated November 9, 2011, confusing many of them about an upcoming “Technical Hearing” that will be held in Tallahasse, in the later part of November thru the early part of December.
Aqua didn’t bother to preface this notice with the fact that this Technical Hearing is closed to the general public. After reading the text of this notice, many ratepayers are confused, as to whether or not this is for them to attend. Once again, it is not.
At this technical hearing, the parties of record will convene to provide further testimony and clarification of the issues they can and cannot agree on.
When these meetings are concluded, several days will be given each side to prepare rebuttals to the testimonies given at the technical hearing. This should happen near the end of December.
Then the Commissioners will then have about 45 days to review the case. The Agenda Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
You probably won’t get a notice from Aqua encouraging your participation at the Agenda Conference. They don’t want you to be there. Neither does Art Graham, the Chairman of the PSC. So, where do you think you should be on February 14th? You betcha’ – Tallahassee!
“common people willing to do uncommon things will change their world”
If you feel we are working in your best interest, we would ask you to prayerfully consider helping us in anyway you can.
Because we are not yet setup as a non-profit organization, please make checks payable to “David Bussey and Frank Reams”.
We will be more than happy to give you an accounting of our income/expense record.
Thanks again for your support, whether financial or otherwise.
The majority of Aqua ratepayers didn’t have an opportunity to voice their concerns to the FPSC Commissioners, who were present at the latest round of customer hearings held around the state.
Most of the “snowbirds” were still up north. Also, many folks who were in Florida weren’t able to attend.
Some meetings were held in the mornings, some at midday and some in the evenings. Many people couldn’t get to these meetings, regardless of the time of day.
But it’s not too late to get your voice heard. Even if you’ve complained before, it’s critical that you update your concerns with the new Commissioners. They need to know that nothing has changed for the better (if that’s the case), and they need to know that you’re still upset with the high rates. They need to know that we are not going to fade away and let them continue to take advantage of us.
So, it’s vital that you continue to COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!
The FPSC Staff is quick to point that because there is no definition for reasonable rates, they must use the revenue requirements as a starting point, in setting rates. Everything else becomes “fallout”. In other words, other than a sentence or two of “ratepayer concern rhetoric“, the FPSC doesn‘t really care how much the customers have to pay. That’s a matter of record, too!
Being a regulated utility is a privilege, not a right. And having a monopoly over ratepayers gives a utility a definite advantage, therefore, customers deserve the utmost in protection from the regulators. Not so, at the FPSC.
The #1 priority of the FPSC should always be to protect the customers from “water profiteering predators”. Continually catering to the needs of Aqua, whose Quality of Service has been terrible, year after year after year, sends a very clear message that the FPSC is pro utility. That impression needs to change.
One very obvious way of protecting ratepayers is to determine if the rates are really affordable (not based on some table or formula). Are the rates comparable to what non-Aqua customers are paying? Is Aqua’s business model too costly compared to other regulated companies?
The FPSC has all the power it needs to do what is necessary to protect monopolized ratepayers, and it’s about time they started doing their job!
I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but from a common sense point of view, wouldn’t it be logical to conclude that if the rates are unaffordable, they must, therefore, be unreasonable?
So-called “efforts” by Aqua to improve their operation isn’t enough to justify giving them a dime, until they actually give the customers “satisfactory” Quality of Service.
Also, don’t forget to signed up for our weekly email update. It’s the easiest way to stay on top of the latest water issues.
Your support for Flow Florida is AWESOME!!!!
We thought there would be a good showing from this area, at the Gainesville Customer Hearing, held in September 12th, 2011.
When there are no HOAs in an Aqua service area, it makes it much harder for us to organize the customers.
If anyone out there is listening, please do what you can to get them involved.
Thanks,
Dave Bussey
Is it even possible to find someone at the top of the Florida Public Service Commission who hasn’t worked for Holland Knight, the law firm that represents Florida’s biggest “water profiteer”, Aqua Utilities Florida?
Let’s see, the FPSC’s general counsel, Curt Kiser……… and now Mr. Baez. I wonder, just how many other public servants at this ”perceived to be corrupt” agency have worked for Holland Knight?
And how many are in bed (you know – married) with “big utility” figures? Maybe the SPTimes could do some research on this, too.
One thing for sure, the FPSC doesn’t want to hire someone from outside of Florida, who might bring in a fresh perspective on how to conduct the people’s business – oops! I mean the utilities’ business.
Why doesn’t the Florida state legislature just rename this outfit. From the ”Florida Public Service Commission” to the “Florida Utilities Club”.
Click on link below for full story.
Dave Bussey
Quality water at reasonable rates